Ted Hill's Journey from Teenage Debut to Maturity in Rugby

Ted Hill, the Premiership-winning flanker, has recently shared his reflections on his early England debut and his growth as a player and person. Hill made his England debut in 2018 at the tender age of 19, but he believes that he was thrust into international rugby too soon.

Early Days and International Debut

Hill's debut came after just six or seven Premiership games, a selection he now views as premature. "When I look back at getting my international cap at 19, I feel a completely different player and person to then," Hill told BBC Sport. He emphasized the importance of maturity and learning what works best for an athlete as they grow older.

Current Form and Future Aspirations

After an outstanding season with Bath, Hill feels more prepared than ever to make his mark on the international stage. "I haven't done anything at international level and I want to be able to take that step up," he said. Hill's next opportunity comes as England prepares to play France in a non-cap match ahead of their summer tour of Argentina and the USA.

Reflections on Recent Success

Hill's England call-up coincided with Bath's recent Premiership title win, ending a 29-year drought. "It's been crazy, but so amazing to get over the line. It was better than I could have ever imagined," Hill shared. The celebrations in Bath were reminiscent of French teams' victories, with the whole city coming out to support the team.

Looking Ahead

Hill is focused on bringing his unique strengths to the game, particularly in terms of his running and work rate, which are crucial at the international level. "Steve [Borthwick] wants me to run and work hard and that is an absolute must at international level," Hill explained. He is determined to show what he can do differently from other back-row players and make a significant impact in future matches.

Conclusion

Ted Hill's journey from a teenage debutant to a mature, seasoned player is a testament to his resilience and dedication. As he continues to develop, Hill is poised to become a key player for England in the coming years.